Surviving Hurricane Helene: Days 7 & 8 Insights

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UPDATE: Hurricane Helene Western North Carolina Day 7 and 8.

The Aeroponic Tower Channel

Oct 5, 2024

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People & Blogs

Massive destruction and resource challenges

  1. The speaker, Stephanie, provides an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, specifically focusing on days seven and eight post-hurricane. She mentions the challenges of recording updates due to mental exhaustion.
  2. Stephanie describes the current situation in Marshall, a small town northwest of Asheville, where the landscape has dramatically changed due to the hurricane. Roads have turned into rivers, and entire houses and the land they stood on have been washed away.
  3. There is a significant influx of resources, including rescue and supply helicopters, but access remains a challenge for many due to destroyed infrastructure like roads and bridges. Some areas are only accessible by ATVs or helicopters.
  4. The community response has been remarkable, with civilians organizing rescue and supply efforts. Despite the challenges, there is a strong sense of solidarity and quick establishment of support systems.
  5. Stephanie emphasizes the scale of destruction, comparing it to biblical proportions. She notes that the damage extends beyond Marshall to other areas, including Asheville, Boone, and parts of Tennessee and South Carolina.
  6. The destruction in Asheville is particularly severe, with commercial infrastructure wiped out and roads severely damaged. The speaker highlights the potential for significant loss of life, which may not be fully reported due to the widespread impact.
  7. Many rural areas remain without essential resources like clean water and food, exacerbating the crisis. The speaker stresses the importance of preparedness and the harsh reality faced by those in isolated regions.

Challenges of self-sufficiency during Hurricane Helene

  1. The text discusses the challenges faced by residents in Western North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, particularly focusing on self-sufficiency and resource scarcity. Many residents are self-sufficient by choice, but the hurricane has exposed vulnerabilities, especially among the very poor who lack resources.
  2. On Day seven, the author engaged in service work, distributing food to those in need. Despite the dire situation, many residents were hesitant to accept aid, believing they could manage on their own. The supplies distributed included snacks, bottled water, and canned goods, which were not sufficient for long-term sustenance.
  3. A significant issue highlighted is the lack of infrastructure to cook or store food. Many residents do not have access to gas stoves or clean water, making it difficult to prepare basic staples like beans and rice. This lack of resources underscores the severity of the situation in rural areas.
  4. The author shares personal experiences of being cut off from essential services like power, water, and communication due to the flooding. Despite living in a less rural area, they experienced isolation when bridges were submerged, illustrating the widespread impact of the hurricane.
  5. Flood insurance is another critical issue. Many residents did not have flood insurance, or it did not cover unexpected damages. The flooding exceeded historical levels, catching many off guard and leading to significant property damage.
  6. The text also describes the emotional and physical toll on residents, with some having to endure the floodwaters from the second floors of their homes. The unexpected nature of the flooding left many unprepared, highlighting the need for better preparedness and infrastructure.

Severe impact and isolation in Western NC

  1. The text describes the severe impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina, particularly in areas like Marshall, Burnesville, and Barnardsville. The devastation includes homes being swept away by floodwaters, leaving many residents without flood insurance to cover the damages.
  2. Communication was severely disrupted, with no cell service or GPS available, leading to confusion and isolation. People were unable to navigate due to impassable roads blocked by trees, water, and destroyed bridges.
  3. Ham radios became a crucial tool for communication, allowing residents to gather information and feel less isolated. This helped them understand the magnitude of the disaster and organize their resources effectively.
  4. The community was initially prepared for a month without power, but some areas regained electricity by day five, while others remained without power and water even on day nine. The restoration efforts prioritized areas where power was critical for medical devices.
  5. The text highlights the challenges faced by residents in urban areas, such as those living in apartments, who had to evacuate due to the lack of power and water. The destruction of roads and water treatment facilities has left some areas inaccessible and without clean water for potentially months.
  6. The author emphasizes the importance of preparedness, sharing personal experiences of using sprouting jars and aeroponic towers to maintain a supply of fresh food during the crisis.

Community-driven recovery efforts in Western NC

  1. Power restoration efforts are underway in Asheville, with some areas regaining electricity, but significant infrastructure rebuilding is needed for full restoration, especially in water treatment facilities.
  2. The community has mobilized extensively, with civilian efforts leading the way in recovery operations. Crop planes and helicopters are being used to deliver supplies, and private ATVs are aiding in reaching isolated areas.
  3. The Cajun Navy and local fire departments are playing crucial roles in providing aid to rural areas that are difficult to access due to their distance from major cities like Asheville.
  4. Volunteer efforts have been remarkable, with infrastructure being built by community members to support recovery operations. The presence of military vehicles is minimal, highlighting the civilian-led nature of the response.
  5. There is a significant concern about chemical contamination in the water due to the destruction of plastics companies and the presence of propane and gas tanks in the floodwaters.
  6. Air quality reports have returned positive results, indicating that the air is safe despite the dust from dried mud, but there is ongoing concern about the safety of the mud itself.
  7. The narrator finds personal solace in engaging in hard labor, such as shoveling muck, as a way to manage stress and contribute to the recovery efforts.

Preparedness is crucial for survival

  1. The author emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and mentions acquiring more gear like white suits to protect the skin. This highlights the ongoing need for safety measures during the hurricane aftermath.
  2. The situation in Western North Carolina is described as chaotic and far from over, with the author urging people to prepare their homes and be ready for emergencies. The comparison to 2020 suggests a need for increased self-reliance and preparedness.
  3. Growing one's own food is presented as a vital survival strategy. The author discusses using hydroponic systems and towers to produce fresh food, which is crucial for health and well-being, especially when access to grocery stores is limited.
  4. The text describes the challenges faced by people in affected areas, such as relying on boxed processed foods and lacking resources to cook real food. Fresh produce is scarce, impacting health and nutrition.
  5. The author recounts meeting people who hiked 22 miles to get resources, illustrating the extreme measures some must take to survive. This underscores the importance of having transportation and communication means in emergencies.
  6. Medical preparedness is highlighted as essential, with the author sharing personal experiences of dealing with injuries and infections during hurricanes. The lack of modern medical systems in remote areas can turn minor injuries into life-threatening situations.
  7. The author stresses the need for having books and supplies ready before a disaster strikes, as it becomes too late once the event occurs. This advice is particularly aimed at those living in remote or under-resourced areas.
  8. The narrative includes a personal account of helping to shovel mud from someone's house, showing community efforts to support each other during the crisis. The author also mentions dealing with mold and mushroom problems, indicating ongoing challenges in recovery.

Community resilience and preparedness are vital

  1. The narrator is preparing to help a friend set up a tower garden to grow fresh food, emphasizing the importance of having access to fresh produce during emergencies. This is crucial as some areas have been cut off, and people haven't eaten for days.
  2. The narrator plans to distribute goods in rural areas, highlighting the dire situation where some people haven't survived, and areas remain inaccessible. This underscores the need for community support and resource distribution.
  3. A preparedness video is planned to share insights on managing tower gardens during power outages. The narrator successfully maintained the gardens by hand-watering, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh food like cucumbers.
  4. There is a noticeable absence of the National Guard, with local communities and government taking charge of rescue and relief efforts. The narrator collaborates with local firefighters, emphasizing community-driven recovery efforts.
  5. Military helicopters are delivering food to shelters, where many displaced people are now residing. The narrator notes the influx of people hiking out of resource-depleted areas to reach these shelters.
  6. The narrator avoids downtown volunteer efforts due to safety concerns, acknowledging the importance of organized food distribution in these areas. This highlights the complexity of relief efforts in unsafe environments.
  7. The narrator stresses the importance of preparedness, preferring to sustain at home without power and water rather than evacuate to shelters. This reflects a broader theme of self-sufficiency and readiness for emergencies.
  8. The narrator shares a sense of hope and progress, mentioning work done at a church member's place, indicating community solidarity and ongoing recovery efforts.

Community resilience and resourcefulness in crisis

  1. The community in Western North Carolina, particularly in areas like Burnsville and Barnardsville, is experiencing significant challenges due to Hurricane Helene. Many volunteer crews, including civilian and Christian militia groups, have mobilized to provide aid and support.
  2. In Burnsville, the fire department has been instrumental in assisting trapped residents. They have utilized Starlink for communication and are using ATVs and four-wheelers to access difficult areas. Efforts are underway to make roads passable using quarry equipment.
  3. Samaritan's Purse has been actively involved, delivering essential resources such as batteries and flashlights via helicopter to various locations, ensuring that aid reaches those in need.
  4. There is a positive shift in resource availability, with supplies coming in, although the demand remains high. The restoration of water and the anticipated return of power in some areas are contributing to a more hopeful outlook.
  5. Safety concerns persist, with reports of looting in some areas, though it appears to be under control in certain towns. Residents are taking measures to ensure their safety, including arming themselves.
  6. Educational institutions are adjusting schedules due to the hurricane's impact. Schools are planning to resume classes, with some adopting hybrid models, while others remain uncertain about reopening due to safety and infrastructure concerns.
  7. Transportation routes have been severely affected, with only one accessible route remaining in some areas. This has implications for access to schools and hospitals, which are also serving as shelters.

Community resilience and self-sufficiency

  1. The local high school and church in Madison have become shelters and supply drop zones, indicating the community's adaptation to the crisis caused by Hurricane Helene. This transformation shows the flexibility and resourcefulness of the community in utilizing available spaces for emergency purposes.
  2. Daily life has become unpredictable, with plans changing based on immediate needs and available information. The community is taking a day-by-day approach, responding to who needs help and where efforts are most required, reflecting a dynamic and responsive community spirit.
  3. Food security is a major concern, with efforts to grow food locally to reduce reliance on grocery stores. The narrator describes using sprouting jars and towers to grow fresh produce, which provides a sustainable and reliable food source amidst grocery store shortages and cash-only policies.
  4. Predators such as slugs and turtles pose challenges to growing food, but the narrator adopts a sharing approach, accepting some loss to wildlife while ensuring timely harvesting to minimize damage.
  5. The narrator emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and preparation, stocking up on supplies and growing food to avoid dependency on disrupted systems. This proactive approach is crucial for survival and maintaining a stable food supply during the crisis.
  6. The community faces logistical challenges, such as grocery stores only accepting cash and shortages of certain items. However, there are alternative solutions like ordering from Azure, which continues to deliver in the area, showcasing adaptability in securing necessary resources.
  7. The narrator's gardening efforts include a variety of produce such as green beans, peppers, lettuce, and herbs, which contribute to a diverse and nutritious diet. This variety ensures that the community can maintain a balanced diet despite external disruptions.

Gardening for food security and preparedness

  1. The text discusses the cultivation of various crops in preparation for colder weather, highlighting the transition from warm-weather crops like tomatoes and cucumbers to more cold-resistant plants.
  2. The author mentions growing purple cabbage and Purple Lady bok choy, emphasizing their beauty and suitability for the tower garden system being used.
  3. Peas, specifically the patio pride variety, are being grown. The author notes that they require frequent harvesting to prevent them from becoming fibrous and tough, especially in hot weather.
  4. The author plans to sauté the peas with sesame seeds and oil, illustrating a practical use for the produce grown in the garden.
  5. Turnips are another crop being cultivated, with plans to use them in a corn chowder soup, showcasing their versatility in cooking.
  6. Arugula and chives are ready for harvest, with the author considering cutting them entirely to encourage better growth, although time constraints have delayed new plantings.
  7. Bell peppers, including a purple variety, are mentioned along with other herbs like celery, onions, and thyme, indicating a diverse range of crops being grown.
  8. The excitement of growing baby cauliflower is shared, highlighting the joy and satisfaction derived from gardening.
  9. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of gardening for food security, allowing for fresh produce without reliance on grocery stores.